Making Monday: Easing Holiday Stress

I’m just going to start off saying – today is not my day. I wouldn’t say it’s bad, but things are just not happening for me today. My mom went in for surgery today, and that seems to have gone well- Thank God! My laptop crashed this morning- the screen went blank and it was making a clicking sound-kind of like in that movie Signs when the Aliens landed. Determined to get to the bottom of this, I grabbed my 4 year old and my computer to take it to town to my computer shop. My tire is flat- I will not be leaving the house today. I had wanted to order my Christmas cards and the images are on that computer! Yes, I have a backup disc that up until now I am still unable to locate. I NEED MY LAPTOP. I have gotten a few thing accomplished, but this Cyber Monday is killing me- Every site I go to is either not functioning or sold out. I couldn’t even get my family the same pair of PJs so we could look super gay on Christmas morning! Oh well, life goes on.

Here are my tips for being a happy shopper this season:

1. Don’t waste your time parking. I think most people get frustrated before they even get into the store. They spend all this time driving around trying to get THE spot. Walk- it’s good for you. You’ll actually be amazed how relaxed you’ll feel if you just park anywhere and walk in.

2. Leave your disappointment at home. If you are one of those people that wait for the last minute to shop, don’t get angry because the stores don’t have what you want. Try to think of alternative gift items before you venture out so you don’t get angry and also so you don’t impulse buy for someone.

3.Don’t expect exceptional service. I know, we all get mad at some salesperson that barely looks at us or gives us a not so nice answer, but the truth is I have noticed that sales people have become customers personal punching bags. These stores are understaffed and the sales people are overworked and underpaid. Now that doesn’t give someone an excuse to not be kind, but I can understand it.

4. Remember the holidays are about family not gifts. Seriously, enough said. The Black Friday rush and the stores being open on Thanksgiving day made me sick. Everyone loves talking about the economy, but somehow waiting online at 3 AM is still doable if people are forced to work at those hours in order to support themselves and our buying addiction. What have we become?

Breathe, focus and reclaim the season as your own. Don’t fall into the money and stress trap. Now family- well that’s a different story. Maybe I’ll talk that up next Monday. Enjoy this time of year.